Lot 133
Fleming (Ian).- Ambler (Eric) Passage of Arms, uncorrected proof, signed presentation inscription from Ian Fleming to "The King & Queen of Hong Kong", 1959
Hammer Price: £3,800
Description
Fleming (Ian).- Ambler (Eric) Passage of Arms, uncorrected proof, signed presentation inscription from Ian Fleming "To the King & Queen of Hong Kong. Ian Fleming. Nov. 1959" to front free endpaper, scattered spotting, original wrappers, light creasing and browning to spine, a few short tears to joint ends, light toning and finger-soiling to covers, ink inscription partially erased on upper cover, 8vo, 1959.
*** A remarkable association copy, given to Fleming by A.S. Frere of Heinemann and then very likely gifted by him to Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Barton in Hong Kong.
Fleming recounts receiving the volume in Thrilling Cities (1963, p.15), as well as indicating who the "King & Queen of Hong Kong" are:
"I had armed myself for the flight with the perfect book for any journey—Eric Ambler's wonderful thriller Passage of Arms, a proof copy of which had been given to me by Mr Frere of Heinemann's for the trip. I had only been able to read a few pages and I was now determined to get back to it... This was my first morning in Hong Kong and this small paradise was the house of friends, Mr and Mrs Hugh Barton. Hugh Barton is perhaps the most powerful surviving English taipan (big shot) in the Orient, and he lives in discreet accordance with his status as Chairman of Messrs Jardine Matheson... They say in Hong Kong that power resides in the Jockey Club, Jardine Mathesons, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, and Her Majesty's Government—in that order. Hugh Barton, being a steward of the Jockey Club, Chairman of Jardine's, Deputy Chairman of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank and a member of the Governor's Legislative Council, has it every way..."
Description
Fleming (Ian).- Ambler (Eric) Passage of Arms, uncorrected proof, signed presentation inscription from Ian Fleming "To the King & Queen of Hong Kong. Ian Fleming. Nov. 1959" to front free endpaper, scattered spotting, original wrappers, light creasing and browning to spine, a few short tears to joint ends, light toning and finger-soiling to covers, ink inscription partially erased on upper cover, 8vo, 1959.
*** A remarkable association copy, given to Fleming by A.S. Frere of Heinemann and then very likely gifted by him to Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Barton in Hong Kong.
Fleming recounts receiving the volume in Thrilling Cities (1963, p.15), as well as indicating who the "King & Queen of Hong Kong" are:
"I had armed myself for the flight with the perfect book for any journey—Eric Ambler's wonderful thriller Passage of Arms, a proof copy of which had been given to me by Mr Frere of Heinemann's for the trip. I had only been able to read a few pages and I was now determined to get back to it... This was my first morning in Hong Kong and this small paradise was the house of friends, Mr and Mrs Hugh Barton. Hugh Barton is perhaps the most powerful surviving English taipan (big shot) in the Orient, and he lives in discreet accordance with his status as Chairman of Messrs Jardine Matheson... They say in Hong Kong that power resides in the Jockey Club, Jardine Mathesons, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, and Her Majesty's Government—in that order. Hugh Barton, being a steward of the Jockey Club, Chairman of Jardine's, Deputy Chairman of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank and a member of the Governor's Legislative Council, has it every way..."
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